Friday, December 17, 2010

I've got friends, too!

For some reason, this blog is packed with photos of my kids, and my kids, and my kids and even... my kids' friends. But actually, I've got friends, too! Yesterday it was time for our yearly Christmas get-together, at fancy Don's restaurant around the corner. We started with drinks on the roof top terrace.

Cristina, Pernille, Petja, me, Michelle, Soma, Jenny, Marta, Lieve.

Today's quiz

How many plates can you fit on a table?

And - who ordered that second round of food...?!?

More flying around

This week I went far down south to the Mekong River Delta provinces of Can Tho and An Giang, to enjoy some nice southern food and tropical climate. And to do some work as well.

Early morning in Long Xuyen City.

Village road along the canals.

Coffee break.
.
And no way I am going to calculate my 2010 CO2 footprint. Even though I insist on not using plastic bags and always carry my fancy foldable nylon bag along can it far from compensate all this flying around...

December fun

Another busy month in Hanoi is coming to its end. On Sunday we are all flying off to Japan for winter break, Christmas holidays, New Years celebration or whatever you call it.

Chiharu, Yuuki, Hana and Kai - camping in the garden.

Making ginger cookies at Elvin's place.

Robbie, Hana and Ayla. International day in school.

Papi the photographer, taking photo course and all.

And I, I got myself an early christmas present. A new sofa!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

On the Red river banks

This weekend we crossed the dyke road that separates our neighborhood from the countryside and the Red river and drove down for a stroll along its banks after the Saturday morning soccer session. It is not the cleanest beach on earth and a swim is definitely out of the question, but there is always something interesting to explore.

"Look, its the boat from where the wild things are"!

And of course in Hanoi no public space is complete without a white wedding photo session.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Hung Yen province

Bordering Hanoi to the southeast is Hung Yen province, one of Vietnam's smaller, but also one of the most heavily populated, by people and animal. I just spent two days there for work and as it is fairly close Keisuke asked me if the place was maybe worth a weekend trip. The answer was actually, no.

Chicken, anyone?

Or maybe better bananas...

Cheap animal drugs are popular among the farmers. Loads of antibiotics keep sickness away and the animals "healthy".

Friday, December 3, 2010

Anpanman

Anpanman is a Japanese super hero, with loads of special powers and as famous in Japan as Bamse and Pippi and Emil and all of those together, or as Mickey Mouse or whoever. I would say that absolutely every Japanese kid, without exception, know who Anpanman and his friends Shokupanman, Melonpandachan, Vaikinman, Dokinchan and the rest are. We have plenty of books and films here, of course.

Anpanman by Kai.

The original.

Getting busy again

Apparently, I am getting busy again, with one consultancy after the other coming up. Which is good. Of course. I think. But apparently I spend less time taking pictures, hanging out in town or with the kids, and more with the computer, although not with my blog.

Here, just a few pictures from life in Tay Ho during this month.

Doll house play. Sometimes it is not that bad to have a big brother. Or little sister.

Hanging out with NZ/Thai friend Amy.

Keisuke the coach is busy, too.

Fika time at favourite cafe down the street.

Ordinary soccer argument with Australian friend Jordan.

Then, next week I am off travelling again, this time to neighbouring and maybe not so exciting Hung Yen province. The week after that, far down south to the Mekong river delta Cambodia bordering An Giang province. After that - winter break. Puh.